Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Bilateral Meeting between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Kenya, at State House, Nairobi, the Republic of Kenya, August 21, 2023

Your Excellency President William Ruto,

It is an honour for me to visit Kenya. Indonesia and Kenya have historical relations since the Asian-African Conference in 1995 and Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. Kenya is an important friend to Indonesia, and Indonesia also continues to commit to strengthen the cooperation with Kenya.

In the meeting, we have discussed many matters. Firstly, the growth of trade reaching USD507 billion in 2022, and it needs to be expanded by embarking on other various opportunities. Indonesia can function as gateway to ASEAN and Kenya can function as gateway for Indonesia to sub-Sahara Africa. Therefore, I encourage the formation of preferential trade agreement as soon as possible.

Secondly, Indonesia intends to increase the investment in Kenya, especially in energy sector. Therefore, I seek support from Kenya so that Pertamina’s investment with Geothermal Development Company worth USD1.5 billion and with the Guma Group can be realized soon and expanded in renewable energy sector, and it is deemed necessary to make a bilateral investment treaty between both countries.

Thirdly, cooperation between Food and Drug Authorities of the two countries and cooperation between Biofarma and Biovax with Generic Africa Ltd regarding vaccines and pharmaceutical products. I hope it can be expanded to other medicinal and pharmaceutical products.

Fourthly, I have conveyed that Indonesia’s commitment through Indonesian Aid for Kenya in the sectors of health, food security, disaster management will continue to be improved in the future, particularly in Kenya’s priority sectors.

Fifthly, in the current global uncertain condition, it is time for us to strengthen the ‘Bandung spirit’ between the global south countries; it is time for the world to listen to the voice and interest of developing countries, including the right to make a leap in development.

Your Excellency, this visit has created concrete cooperations; three cooperations between governments, eight cooperations between State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and the private sector, and I hope that it can be realized soon.

To conclude my remarks, I invite President Ruto to visit Indonesia.

Thank you, President Ruto. Thank you.

(SAB/AW/MMB)